Mass Spectroscopy

Our laboratory has a PerSeptive Biosystems Voyager MALDI-TOF (linear) mass spectrometer without delayed extraction or reflectron capabilities which is used for routine low accuracy analysis of peptides (<3 kDa). For high accuracy mass analytical needs, we have access to a Voyager Elite XL research grade instrument that is located in and maintained and operated by the Laboratory for Biological Mass Spectrometry in the Department of Chemistry. This instrument and its accuracy are critical for the high mass accuracy required for mass mapping and protein identification experiments

We also have a ThermoFinnegan DecaXP ion trap mass spectrometer that is used for LC/MS applications. This instrument is used for accurate mass determination and limited peptide sequencing. It was installed in October 2001 and will become a service instrument after January 2002. It will be used solely for peptide analysis and de novo protein sequencing for protein identification and the analysis of post-translational modifications (PTM) of proteins/peptides. Clients who need small ion mass spectrometric analysis are directed to the Laboratory for Biological Mass Spectrometry in the Department of Chemistry at Texas A&M University.